Chemicals removed from cottage in Nova Scotia, evacuation lifted

HALIFAX – RCMP in Nova Scotia say all chemicals discovered at a cottage and shed in the community of Grand Desert have been removed and the evacuation order for the area has been lifted.

The Mounties say the evacuation order for Dyke Road, which was issued last Tuesday, was lifted around 5 p.m. Saturday after investigators safely sealed and removed the hazardous chemicals from the scene.

On Friday, Chief Supt. Roland Wells said the cottage and shed were stacked floor to ceiling with chemicals, posing an “extreme fire risk” to the area due to their volatility.

Wells said there are dozens of different chemicals in various states of degradation.

A suspect, 42-year-old Christopher Burton Phillips, is facing charges of uttering threats and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose in connection with the investigation.

Phillips briefly appeared in court on Friday to face the allegations and the prosecution indicated it will ask for a psychiatric assessment of his fitness to stand trial.

Phillips is being held in custody until he is back in court on Thursday.